A derivative of the Malay word 'Saboey' which means safe haven, Koh Samui is exactly this; a haven for tourists who wish escape from urban life to a quiet peaceful retreat.

A laid back island, Koh Samui is the largest of nearly 100 tropical islands in the Gulf of Thailand along the coast of Surat Thani province. These islands are collectively known as the Samui archipelago. The three largest and most famous islands are Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao, which are all characterized by beautiful white sand beaches, green mountainous areas, colorful coral reefs and a warm tropical climate.

Samui has a rich an ancient history. The island was first recorded on a Ming Dynasty map from China in approximately 1,500 AD. During the 17th to 18th century many of the islands in the Samui archipelago were under the rule of Nakhon Si Thammarat which was the main power in southern Thailand. However, eventually these islands came under the direct rule of the Siamese/Thai rulers in the late 18th century. The first backpackers arrived in Koh Samui in the 1970's, and since then it has grown into a popular holiday destination for families, couples and singles alike.

Koh Samui is the third largest island of Thailand and is the largest in the southeast Gulf of Thailand. Surrounded by almost a hundred smaller islands, Koh Samui itself is only 247 square km. It measures around 21 kilometers at its widest point, and 25 kilometers at it’s longest. Full of tropical jungles and mountains that are as high as 600 meters, Koh Samui is covered by almost 3 million coconut trees, some over 160 years old and 35 meters tall.

Easily accessible by air, land and sea; the majority of international travelers arrive by air, via Bangkok. Daily ferries also operate from several piers along the mainland coast. Koh Samui's best beaches are on its northern and eastern coasts, the most popular being Chaweng and Lamai. Other beaches include Bophut, Mae Nam in the north and Na Thon, the island's major settlement where shops and restaurants are mainly found.

Getting around Koh Samui A 51-kilometre coastal road encircles entire the island. This road leads to numerous lovely beaches and bays which you can get to either by foot, motorcycle, bus or car. This island is so small that you can tour it in approximately 2 hours. You will not find a highway or expressway on Samui, there is only one main road which follows the coast and one road crossing the southern part. The main road connects the main beaches to the town center, airport and ferry, so Getting around is relatively easy. Chaweng located on the eastern coast of Koh Samui, and is the longest beach and the biggest town on the island. Here there are dozens of hotels and bungalows lining the beautiful white sand beach strip. From 5-star luxury resorts to budget bungalows, Samui caters to people of every style and class. Accommodations here are a bit more expensive, but this is because the widest selection of clubs, bars and restaurants are found here.

Lamai is south of Chaweng and is Koh Samui's second-largest beach. A smaller more intimate place, Lamai also offer first class accommodations as well as more economical guest houses. The water here is excellent for swimming. The nightlife in Lamai is more toned down; however a number of quality spas are found here. There are also quality restaurants and pubs here as well.

Na Thon is a fishing village in Koh Samui that is the central point for all connections with mainland Surat Thani and the other smaller islands. All government offices and banks are also located in Na thon. Shopping here is much cheaper than say in Chaweng and Lamai, with many interesting local handicrafts for sale. Most shops are on the inland road, which is one-way heading south. On the ocean road, there are a number of good restaurants and a teak shop house.

Mae Nam is on the north coast of the island and is a much quieter place. Accommodations here are relatively cheaper, though now a few four and five star resorts have cropped up as well. These resorts tend to be more expensive as they offer private secluded beaches to their guests. There are also numerous luxury holiday and residential home developments for long-term visitors as well. Close to Bophut, Mae Nam is about 10 minutes from the airport and 20 minutes from Chaweng.

Bophut is a quaint charming village made up of old Chinese shop houses, many of which have now been converted into restaurants, bars, and shops. Popular with the French for a while now, Bophut is currently attracting a growing number of British tourists as well. The beach here is perfect for a secluded romantic getaway.

Big Buddha Beach is located close to the airport. The resorts here tend to be of a high quality and attracting numerous tourists as the prices remain relatively low. Big Buddha beach is a great place to party in, and there are a growing number of fine dining options too.

Hua Thanon, is just south of Lamai, and is a tiny Muslim fishing village. There are a few restaurants here, but the main attraction is the talent and skill of the local fishermen and their intricately painted boats. This village provides a real life glimpse into life on Koh Samui for the natives.

Lipa Noi is just south of Na Thon is one of the best places to catch the sunset. There main attraction to this place lies in the fact that the seaside is very shallow. You can wade out for 200m and the water is still no higher than your waist.

West and South Coasts

High Season / Low Season

Climate

Traveling around

Songthaews are red pick up tricks that ply as local buses during the day. These buses follow strict routes and have clearly printed destination points written on them in both English and Thai. Fares range between 10 and 50 baht.

Car/Jeep Rentals

Motorbike Rentals

Bicycles